The management of Zoomlion Ghana Limited has rubbished claims of being contracted by the Volta River Authority (VRA) to undertake fumigation exercise in areas affected following the Akosombo dam spillage.

According to the company, the report on social media dubbed ‘Ibrahim Mahama, Zoomlion, and Serious Questions for VRA’, is a story which seeks to suggest that Zoomlion Ghana Limited has been contracted by the Volta River Authority to undertake fumigation of the lower Volta areas affected by the recent controlled spillage from the Akosombo Dam.

It revealed that management categorically refutes the “misleading, false and unfounded assertions” by investigative journalist, Manasseh Azure Awuni, “who has for the past 10 years sought to level various allegations against Zoomlion to no avail”.

“This recent publication is a demonstration of Manasseh’s clear disregard for journalistic integrity and professional ethics as is expected of a person of his caliber. We want to emphasize that Zoomlion has not been contracted by VRA to undertake any fumigation activities in the said affected areas, as claimed by Mr. Awuni. His allegations are baseless and lack any factual basis. It is disheartening that in his pursuit of sensationalism and cheap popularity, Mr. Awuni, has chosen to misrepresent the facts.”
Zoomlion Ghana Limited

Furthermore, Zoomlion explained that on Monday 23rd October 2023, led by its Executives and Management, presented a number of relief items worth over 500,000 cedis to the victims of the spillage. Additionally, it stated that a sister company, Ecozoil also donated almost 500 life jackets to the media and rescue team supporting the situation on the ground.

“At the same presentation event, the company in addition to the items presented announced its intention to also fumigate the areas once the water had receded.”
Zoomlion Ghana Limited

Moreover, Zoomlion described the situation as “regrettable”, especially because Mr. Awuni has chosen to overlook the notable humanitarian efforts undertaken by Zoomlion and its sister companies in support of the flood victims.

It highlighted that it was gesture, which was widely covered by various media outlets, yet Mr. Awuni chose to disregard these facts and propagate “misleading information and peddle his usual falsehood” against the one company that has been at the forefront of keeping Ghana clean, green and healthy, and this is deeply concerning.

“Management wishes to challenge Mr. Awuni to provide evidence to substantiate his claims and allegations regarding the alleged contract awarded to our company. We remain unwavering in our commitment to upholding our corporate social responsibility and providing steadfast support to the communities in the Volta Region and in other way to our mother Ghana, despite the unwarranted distractions caused by such baseless accusations.”
Zoomlion Ghana Limited

Meanwhile, Zoomlion reassured all stakeholders that its dedication to serving and uplifting communities remains resolute, and it will continue to prioritize the well-being and support of those in need, irrespective of such false allegations.

On October 30, 2023, the Volta River Authority (VRA), initiated a major disinfection and fumigation exercise in communities affected by the flooding resulting from the Akosombo Dam spillage.

The disinfection exercise is expected to take place in areas like Mepe in the North Tongu District of the Volta Region, where residents are witnessing a gradual decrease in floodwaters.

Commenting on the fumigation exercise, VRA’s Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, Ing. Kwame Osei Mensah Darkwa, expressed the VRA’s commitment to ensuring the safety and habitability of homes, public spaces, and the entire community following the floods.

He stated that VRA “contracted Zoomlion” to carry out fumigation and decontamination exercises in the areas where the water has receded significantly to make it safe for habitation again.

Mr Darkwa noted that VRA has the assembly represented by the safety officer, a representative from the traditional council, a chief executive and the intention is to go to the areas they have inspected, await further receding of the water before it commences some form of decontamination of the place.